Container-dispenser unit

ABSTRACT

A combined container-dispenser package for liquids, especially liquid concentrates, characterized by the storage container having recessed in its sidewall a vertically extending concavity adapted to nest a receptacle, and pump means mounted atop the container capable of metering a predetermined amount of the liquid into the so-nested receptacle.

United States Patent Inventor Albert J. l'lllun Oakley l.ane,(;reenw1ch, Conn. Appl. No. 861,387 Filed Sept. 26, 1969 Patented Aug. 17, 1971 Assignee Scherlng Corporation Bloomfield, NJ.

CONTAINER-DISPENSER UNIT 2 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

11.8. C1 141/369, 141/387 Int. Cl B65b 1/04, B65b 3/04 Field of Search 141/284,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 791,624 6/1905 Horton 141/375 1,927,092 9/1933 Howard... 141/379 X 2,710,126 6/1955 Hughes.... 141/374 X 2,710,707 6/1955 Persak 141/362 X Primary Examiner- Houston S. Bell, Jr. Attorney Morgan, Finnegan, Durham and Pine ABSTRACT: A combined container-dispenser package for liquids, especially liquid concentrates, characterized by the storage container having recessed in its sidewall a vertically extending concavity adapted to nest a receptacle, and pump means mounted atop the container capable of metering a predetermined amount of the liquid into the so-nested receptacle.

PATENTED AUG I 7 197i FIG.3

INVENTOR. ALBERT 7. [Luis BY WK M 1% A "am/5x5 CONTAINER-DISPENSER UNIT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to dispensing units of utility especially in the commercial marketing of a dispensable liquid product, and relates more particularly to a new and improved combined liquid storage container and dispenser dispenser outlet about the container top is limited to the width of the locating and nesting cavity in the container.

2. Description of the Prior Art Many liquid products such as mouthwashes, liquid cleaners, disinfectants, etc., are marketed in a unitary package which permits the consumer to dispense the product directly from a storage container. The size and configuration of the containerdispenser unit has a material bearing on the acceptability of the product by the public, as it is desirable for the unit to be easily stored in limited areas, such as medicine cabinets, utility closets, exposed shelves and the like. in addition, under most circumstances, a receptacle is also utilized in conjunction with the container-dispenser unit for receiving the dispensed liquid and it is desirable that these items be stored adjacent to each other.

Heretofore, it has been customary in marketing liquid products to employ dispenser units in which the storage container for the liquid is of a generally cylindrical shape, and often the exterior circumferential surface of the container has a convex curvature from the top to the bottom. This configuration wastes shelf space and shows no concern for the fact that not only must storage area be provided for the container dispenser unit, but additional storage area must also be provided for the accompanyingreceptacle. Since the accompanying receptacle is also generally of a cylindrical shape, the amount of wasted shelf space is further increased, compounding the storage problem.

i A further disadvantage of the construction of dispenser units which have heretofore been known, is that there has been no appreciation of the fact that a receptacle, such as a cup, is commonly used to receive the dispensed liquid, and that this receptacle tends to easily become separated from the dispenser unit during periods of nonuse.

Another disadvantage of presently known dispenser units is that the spout of the dispensing mechanism is usually mounted for free rotation about the container top. This is an undesirable structural feature in that both the dispenser spout and receptacle must be carefully aligned and manually held during the dispensing operation in order to prevent or minimize spillage, requiring the full attention and use of both hands of the operator.

3. Objects of the invention It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a new and improved containerdispenser unit.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved container dispenser unit which overcomes or eliminates the disadvantages of container-dispenser units as heretofore constructed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved container-dispenser unit which serves to locate a receptacle for receiving dispensed material from the unit in nestingrelationship thereto, thereby eliminating the necessity to separately store these items and, hence, minimizing their combined shelf storage space and also minimizing the opportunity for the receptacle and container dispenser unit to become separated during periods of nonuse.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved container'dispenser unit that minimizes the chances of spillage when a liquid is-dispensed into an adjacent receptacle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved container-dispenser unit in which the rotational capability of the dispenser spout of the dispensing mechanism is limited so that the spout cannot extend beyond the confines of the receptacle when the latter is in its nesting position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and im proved container-dispenser unit in which "the dispensing mechanism is detachably affixed to the container top, enabling refilling of the container-dispenser unit and permitting interchangeability of dispensing mechanisms having varying capacities.

Objects and advantages of the invention are set forth in part herein and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned by practice with the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly described, the present invention is directed to a novel and improved container-dispenser unit comprising a liquid storage container and dispenser mechanism, which includes means locating and nesting a receptacle for receiving dispensed liquid from the unit directly beneath the outlet of T the dispenser mechanism.

As here preferably embodied, the locating and nesting means comprises a generally cylindrically shaped, vertically extending, concavity formed integrally with the sidewall of the liquid storage container which is adapted to receive in mating relationship a corresponding portion of the liquid receiving receptacle, whereby the receptacle "nests" in the container wall, with at least a portion thereof housed by the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the container-dispenser unit of the present invention, the dispenser outlet is mounted for rotation about the container top and stop means are provided for restricting the rotation of the dispenser outletto an arc defined by the lateral edges of the vertically extending concavity in the container. Also in a preferred embodiment, the dispensing mechanism is detachably affixed to the container top.

It will be apparent from the foregoing general description that the embodiment of the invention herein disclosed accomplishes the objects. of the invention specifically enumerated. By forming a concavity in the sidewall of the containerdispenser unit directly beneath the outlet of the dispensing mechanism, the container-dispenser unit is capable of accommodating a corresponding portion of the receptacle receiving the dispensed liquid, thus forming a space-saving assemblage that also discourages the separation of the receptacle from the container-dispenser unit during periods of nonuse. The sidewall concavity also locates the receptacle in a position directly beneath the dispenser outlet. Since rotational movement of the outlet is restricted to an arc coincident with the confines of the cavity, spillage is minimized without the necessity for exercising great care in dispensing liquid into the receptacle.

In addition, by constructing the dispenser mechanism so that it is removable from the remainder of the structure, provision is made for the interchangeability of dispenser mechanisms having varying capacities, and also for the refilling of thestorage container for repeated usage.

It will be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description as well are exemplary and explanatory of the invention but are not restrictive thereof.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container-dispenser unit constructed in accordance with the invention, the view illustrating a cup for receiving a dispensed liquid nesting in a cavity formed in the sidewall of the container;

FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation, partly sectional, of the container-dispenser unit of FIG. 1, the partial section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container-dispenser unit depicted in FIG. 1 7

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more particularly to the embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a container-dispenser unit, indicated generally by reference numeral 1, which includes a liquid storage container 2 and a dispensing mechanism, designated generally by reference numeral 3. A receptacle, such as cup 4, is adaptedto nest adjacent the container 2 of the container-dispenser unit 1, as is more fully described hereinafter.

In accordance with the invention, liquid storage container 2 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a receptacle for receiving dispensed liquid from the container directly beneath the outlet of the dispensing mechanism, whereby the container serves to both locate the receptacle directly beneath the dispenser outlet when the receptacle is used to receive liquid from the container-dispenser unit, and to nest the receptacle adjacent the unit when not in use.

To this end, the container sidewall 10 is recessed so as to provide an internal cavity 11 for receiving and housing a corresponding portion of the exterior surface of receptacle cup 4. As preferably embodied, cavity 11 is of a generally cylindrical shape and extends upwardly from bottom 12 a distance which is at least greater than the height of receptacle cup 4. Thus, cavity 1! is capable of receiving a corresponding portion of the outer cylindrical surface of cup 4 in mating relationship, thereby nesting the cup adjacent the container-dispenser unit with a portion thereof housed by the container.

Advantageously, a pair of diametrically opposed, finger depressions 13,14 are provided in the container sidewall to facilitate grasping and handling of the container-dispenser unit.

While it will be understood that container 2 may be made from any of a variety of materials, such as glass, metal or plastic, a preferred material is thermoplastic plastic, such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene.

In accordance with the invention as preferably embodied, the dispensing mechanism 3 is detachably affixed'to the container top and includes means for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid from the container upon actuation thereof.

To this end, as best seen in FIG. 2, container 2 is advantageously formed with a cylindrical neck portion 15, having threads 1 extending circumferentially thereabout, and the dispenser housing cap 17 likewise has mating threads 18 extending circumferentially about the inner cylindrical surface thereof. Thus, the dispensing mechanism is detachably ai fixed to the container by threading and unthreading the housing cap 17 onto the container top 15.

As preferably embodied, dispensing mechanism 3 comprises a conventional pump dispenser having a metering chamber of any desired size, whereby a predetermined quantity of liquid may be dispensed from the container upon actuation thereof.

Thus, as best seen in FIG. 2, dispensing mechanism 3 includes a hollow tube 20 extending from the bottom 12 of liquid storage container 2 and terminating at its upper end in an enlarged metering chamber 21 secured to the top of housing cap 17. Metering chamber 21 telescopically slidably receives a hollow plunger element 22 therein, the latter being normally spring-pressed to a nonoperative position by compression spring 23. Plunger 22 is also telescopically slidably received within, and terminates directly beneath, a depressor housing and button 24,25, respectively, and consequently serves to also normally locate the depressor button in a nonoperative position. A valve ball 26 is normally seated on the entranceway from tube 20 into the metering chamber 21 and air exhaust holes 27 are provided in the wall of the metering chamber.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that, upon depressing button 25 by the application of external pressure, plunger 22 is depressed against the force of compression spring 23, exhausting air from chamber 21 to force liquid from the container 2 up through tube 20, lifting valve ball 26 from its seat, and into the metering chamber 21. Upon release of pressure from the actuating button 25, valve ball 26 reseats and thereby holds the liquid in the metering chamber. Upon. again depressing button 25, the liquid in chamber 21 if forcedup through the hollow plunger 22 and, by suitable passageways in (not shown), out through a interchanging dispenser mechanisms and, by providing dispensing mechanisms having metering chambers of varying size, a predetermined quantity of liquid may be dispensed from the liquid storage container upon actuation of the dispensing mechanism.

In accordance with the invention as preferably embodied, means are provided for restricting rotational movement of the dispenser outlet to an arc coincident with the lateral boundaries of the receptacle receiving means of the liquid storage container.

To this end, the upper surface of the dispenser housing cap 17 is provided with a pair of spaced, radially extendingvertical plane stop surfaces 30,31 which are coincident with the lateral boundaries of cavity 11, as best seen in FIG. 3. Dispenser spout 29 includes an integral collar portion 32 which is mounted about the depressor button housing 24. A stop guide 33 is secured to collar 32 in vertical alignment with spout 29 and in a horizontal plane with stop surfaces 30,31. Thus, rotation of spout 29 causes an identical rotation of collar 32 and stop guide 33. By physically restricting the rotation of stop guide 33 by mechanical stops 30,31, the rotational freedom of spout 29 is likewise restricted.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the operation and use of the preferred embodiment of the invention described and illustrated herein is as follows:

Container 2 is filled with the desired liquid product" and a dispensing mechanism 3, having a metering chamber 21 of the desired size is threaded onto the container neck l5 and screwed down until the housing cap 17 is tightly secured thereto, at which time the stops 30,31 are coincident with the lateral boundaries of the container cavity 1 1.

When it is desired to dispense a quantity of liquid from the container into a receptacle, such as cup 4, the cup is located directly beneath the dispenser outlet spout 29 by placing the cup into cavity 11 so that its exterior surface mates with the surface of the cavity. Further handling of the cup or containerdispenser unit is unnecessary, and liquid is dispensed into the cup by merely applying pressure to depressor button 25, such as by the thumb, without danger of spillage.

When it is desired to store the container-dispenser unit, the cup 4 is again placed within the cavity 11 where it remains, at least partially housed by container 2, in a space-saving assemblage, until its further use is desired.

An example of a particularly advantageous usage for the inand nesting cavity in the container sidewall and restricting rotational movement of the dispenser outlet spout to the boundaries of the cavity, spillage is prevented in dispensing the liquid into a cup for subsequent dilution, a space-saving assemblage is created, and loss or annoying misplacement of the cup between uses is minimized.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific embodiment herein shown and described but departures may be made therefrom without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages. Thus, the detachability of the dispensing mechanism 3 from the container 2 is a preferred construction, and it will be understood that, for example, the container and dispensing mechanism may be constructed as a single, integral unit. Similarly, the rotatability of the dispenser outlet along an arc coincident with the confines of the container concavity is a preferred construction, and it will be understood that, for example, the outlet may be permanently fixed with respect to the container top, advantageously on the centerline of the container concavity.

What I claim is:

1 A container-dispenser packagecomprising (a) a storage container containing a liquid, said container having a recess in its sidewall in the form of a horizontally extending concave curvature, said recess extending in the vertical direction to form a concavity adapted to receive and nest in mating relationship a portion of a receptacle for receiving metered amounts of said liquid and; (b) pump means seated atop said container having actuating means and means to meter apredetermined amount of said liquid, and having a first tube extending from said metering means openly into said liquid and a second tube communicating with said metering means and extending outwardly from said container and having its outlet locatable over the area to be occupied by the aforesaid nested receptacle whereby upon actuation of said pump means, said predetermined amount of liquid is forced through said outlet and into said nested receptacle. 1

2. A, container-dispenser package according to claim I wherein said liquid is a liquid concentrate. l 

1. A container-dispenser package comprising (a) a storage container containing a liquid, said container having a recess in its sidewall in the form of a horizontally extending concave curvature, said recess extending in the vertical direction to form a concavity adapted to receive and nest in mating relationship a portion of a receptacle for receiving metered amounts of said liquid and; (b) pump means seated atop said container having actuating means and means to meter a predetermined amount of said liquid, and having a first tube extending from said metering means openly into said liquid and a second tube communicating with said metering means and extending outwardly from said container and having its outlet locatable over the area to be occupied by the aforesaid nested receptacle whereby upon actuation of said pump means, said predetermined amount of liquid is forced through said outlet and into said nested receptacle.
 2. A container-dispenser package according to claim 1 wherein said liquid is a liquid concentrate. 